Monday, September 19, 2016

Ritonavir

Generic Name : Ritonavir

Pronunciation : ri toe' na veer

Trade Name(s): 
India- Empetus, Ritovir, Ritomax, Ritomune.
International- Norvir, Norvir Soft Gelatin.


Why it is prescribed (Indications) : 
This medication is an antiretroviral agent, prescribed for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection either alone or combined with other antiretroviral agents. It is a protease inhibitor.




When it is not to be taken (Contraindications): 


Hypersensitivity, co-administering with other protease inhibitors and interaction with other medications may cause life-threatening reactions.





Pregnancy Category :













A B C D X
Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.


When it is to be taken : 
Adult: PO- HIV infection: The recommended dose is 600mg, two times per day.

How it should be taken : 
It comes as a tablet, capsule and solution to take by mouth; it should be taken with food.




Special Instruction : 
* If you are taking any medication, inform your doctor.


* Caution should be exercised in patients with history of prolonged QT interval (irregular heart beats), heart, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, bleeding disorder, high cholesterol, elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding.


* It may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives.


* In some patient’s cholesterol, sugar level may be increased with the following symptoms: increased thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, and rapid breathing; if it so, inform your doctor.


* Monitor glucose, lipid, uric acid and blood counts.


* It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

Side Effects : 
Body as a Whole-
Abdominal Pain, weakness, fever, dry mouth, jaundice and uneasiness.
Heart-

Fainting, dilatation of blood vessels, high/low blood pressure, heart attack, palpitation, postural hypotension and fast heart rate.
Gastrointestinal-

Loss of appetite, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, fecal incontinence, flatulence, abnormal stools, bloody diarrhea, inflammation of colon, dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing, esophageal ulcer and gastrointestinal disorder.
Local -

Throat irritation.
Metabolic -
Weight loss and an increased sugar level.
Musculoskeletal -

Joint/Muscle pain.
Central Nervous System -

Headache, anxiety, tingling, numbness, confusion, depression, dizziness, sleeplessness, drowsiness and abnormal thinking.
Respiratory-

Inflammation of pharynx, asthma, difficulty in breathing, nosebleed, hiccup and respiratory depression.
Skin -
Rash and sweating
Eye and ENT-

Taste perversion, abnormal vision, blurred vision, inflammation of eyelid/ conjunctiva, ear pain, eye disorder, hearing impairment, increased earwax, distorted sense of smell, and photophobia (light sensitivity).
Genitourinary-

Urination at night time, acute kidney failure, absence of urination, blood in urine, impotence, kidney stone, heavy bleeding during menstrual period, penis disorder, increased urinary frequency, urinary tract infection and inflammation of vagina.

Other Precautions : 
* Avoid alcoholic beverages.


* Drink adequate water or liquid, to avoid dehydration.


Storage Conditions : 
Tablet and capsule: Store it in refrigerator, do not freeze it. Keep away from children and pets.

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